Details Section

Are you a jetsetter or a homebody?  Here's a quiz to test your world travel knowledge or maybe inspire you to grab that next airline seat sale.

1.    In what European city would you find the "Spanish Steps?"

a) Venice  b) Prague  c) Rome  d) Barcelona

2.    What is Digby, Nova Scotia famous for?

a) Lobster  b) Scallops  c) Tuna  d)  Killer Whales

3.    It is believed if a tourist stands on this spot near the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, he or she will return to Paris.  What is it called?

a) Point Zero  b) Paris Centre  c) Saints Cross  d) Sainte-Chappelle

4.    How many people, on average, use the New York City Subway on a daily basis?

a) Eight million  b) Over four million  c) Less than two million  d) 3.5 million

5.    Fans of the movie Rocky can't resist taking a run up the steps of this city's art museum.

a) Boston  b) Philadelphia  c) New York  d) Chicago

6.    What island, believed to be Mafia-run, is famous for its blown glass?

a) Sicily  b)  Roatan   c)  Manhattan   d) Murano

7.    Grey whales migrate south to this area to bear their young.

a) Baja California  b) San Diego  c) Oahu, Hawaii  d) Sydney, Australia

8.    In what Italian city would a tourist find the home of the Renaissance poet Dante Aligheri?

a) Naples  b) Florence  c) Rome  d) Venice

 9.    Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is one of the most popular eateries on which Hawaiian island?

a) Maui  b) Big Island  c) Oahu  d) Kauai

10.      Jousting knights, meals served on boards and an authentic medieval village can be found near this major US city.

a) Boston  b) Seattle   c) Atlanta   d) Sacramento

Answers

1.    Rome, Italy.  The famous Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) is the most popular public meeting place in the city.  Thousands of people converge here during the day, and especially at night.  Vendors sell roasted chestnuts from carts.  It got its name because the Spanish ambassador had his headquarters here in the 17th century.

2.    Scallops.  Digby, situated on Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy, will hold its 32nd annual Scallop Festival August 9 to 12.  Participants are treated to a variety of events, including a blessing of the fleets and scallop shucking lessons.  Digby was founded and settled by Robert Digby in 1783.

3.    Point Zero.  Also known as "kilometre zero," this is a round stone set in the cobblestones just out front of the cathedral; it is the reference point for highway driving distances starting in Paris. Construction on the Notre Dame de Paris, one of the world's first Gothic cathedrals, began in 1163 but wasn't completed till about 1267.

4.    Over four million.  With more than 1,440 kilometres of track, the NYC subway is the largest in the world.  The system is so heavily relied upon that back in September 2005, a record 7.5 million people used the service in a single day.  Riders must purchase a MetroCard to ride.

5.    Philadelphia.  Boxer Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, made his famous run up and down the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (built in 1876).  Two other things you must do while in Philadelphia: visit the zoo (it's the oldest in the country) and have the famous Philly cheese steak sandwich.

6.    Murano Island, Italy.  This famous tourist destination is just a short water taxi ride from the main part of Venice.  Venice moved its glass industry to Murano in the 13th century fearing its blast furnaces were a fire hazard in the cramped city.  When visiting, don't get fooled into paying for a trip to Murano; your hotel should offer the trip for free.  Once there, be on your guard as the sales people are determined to sell you their most expensive pieces of blown glass.   And, yes, locals say that the island is controlled by the Mafia.

7.    Baja California, Mexico.  Sheltered lagoons in this region play host to grey whales every spring.  The whales are protected under Mexican law, limiting human access while the greys undergo birthing and mating.  However, whales and their calves have been known to approach whale watch boats, allowing humans to pet them.

8.    Florence (in Italian, Firenze).  Dante's home is located at Via Santa Margherita 1.  The charming 13th century stone house is now a small museum.  If you are lucky, you may spot a theatre student reciting passages from Dante's famous Inferno and Divine Comedy, just outside the house.  It is an experience you'll treasure.

9.    Oahu.  Located in the tiny village of Kahuku on Oahu's North Shore, Giovanni's is worth the price of a bus ticket or a rental car.  Served out of a grungy panel truck (autographed with thousands of signatures), Giovanni's garlic, lemon and butter shrimp is so tasty, just the memory of it will have you drooling months later.

10. Seattle.  The Camlann Faire is located in the village of Carnation, just a short drive from Seattle, Washington.  Visitors are welcome to wander the grounds of this re-created 14th century village making stops at shops filled with herbs or period clothing, learning an ancient craft, or cheering on a knight at the jousting tournament.  Authentic medieval food such as their ploughman's lunch is served on a board..

Scores

All 10 correct:  Jetsetter.  You'll use any excuse to travel, anywhere, anytime.

6-9 correct:  Sojourner.  You're willing and able to travel but you are choosy.

3-5 correct:  Trekker.  You like to travel but you prefer destinations closer to home.

Less than 3 correct:  Homebody.  You need to get out more.

For travel anywhere - ensure that you have positive identification and medical information available for any emergency sitiuation. www.safefamilycards.com